Sunday, April 10, 2011

The Military Acceptance Project

So, 99.99% of the time, my blog is all about me, written by me -- my life, my thoughts, my obsessions (read: tennis and American Idol). Today, however, I'm going to turn the spotlight on something else -- a website called The Military Acceptance Project. And because I think the creators of the site have done such a great job, I'm just going to use their words to tell you what it is.

I do have one message from me first though: If you are gay or lesbian and in the military or know someone who is gay/lesbian in the military, check this site out today. It's loaded with information and resources. Plus, I'm guessing it's a great place to meet people that share your experiences.

Here's what it's all about:

The Military Acceptance Project (MAP) is an organization established for the purpose of promoting social justice, equality, and fair treatment for all service members. Graduate students and faculty at the University of Southern California's School of Social Work at the San Diego Academic Center founded this organization. As former service members, combat veterans, military family members, and active supporters of the military, MAP's founders share a dedication to the military. They also share a passion for community service and helping others. The founders of MAP are proud to bring you this website born of the marriage between their dedication the military and passion for service to others.

The repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” (DADT) directly correlates with the tenants and ethical values of social work as a profession, as embodied in the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and stated in their preamble:

"The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well­being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty."

The values of Professionalism, Leadership, Respect, Honor, Courage, Commitment, Integrity and most importantly Mission Accomplishment and Troop Welfare span across all branches of military service. The repeal of DADT serves these values instilled in the military community. By joining the principals and ethical values of these two professional mindsets, we form our mission:

To pave the way to a broader acceptance of all active duty and reserve service members by providing information, support and communications related to the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy or any other form of marginalization.

As social workers and military veterans/supporters, we believe all people who willingly support and defend the Constitution of the United States, deserve to be treated equally - with dignity and respect.

We hope that this website not only provides information regarding the repeal of DADT, but also serves as a catalyst to help educate, enlighten, and empower ALL members of the military to treat each other with understanding, respect, and equality.